"Anyone that you talk to, they will tell you how great he was," said Rabbi Alan Alpert, of Temple B’nai Israel in Muskegon.

Mathews is moving to Georgia next week, when he’ll also celebrate his 90th birthday. Before he leaves Muskegon, the public is invited to honor him and his wife, Grace. His farewell is scheduled for 3-5 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 19 at First Presbyterian Church, located at 2577 Wickham Dr.

Mathews has not only significantly assisted in the unification of the Jewish and Christian Muskegon community as chair of Muskegon Jewish Centennial Committee, but he served as Rotary Club President from 2004 to 2005.

Mathews moved to Muskegon in 1973.

“He’s the most empathetic human being I’ve ever met,” Alpert said. “Don has been my teacher and mentor. He took me under his wings and he has been a teacher and a friend. Both of them (Don and Grace) are tremendous in their own light.”

Alpert said he learned a lot about being a religious leader from Mathews.

“I watch him and I try and learn from that,” Alpert said. “He’s very good with words and has a tremendous mind and heart.”

Alpert said Mathews has been “an inspiration to so many,” so it’s no wonder why there was a standing ovation at last week’s rotary meeting after he was presented an award for outstanding service.

“Rotary has been really special for me. There are around 215 people now and I don’t think it’s quite half women, but it’s pretty close,” Mathews said about growing diversity within Muskegon Rotary Club.

Born in Columbus, Ohio, Mathews moved to New York after attending Ohio State University.

In 1962, Mathews lived in Africa for 11 years, developing training programs for the working environment.

While Mathews has made a positive impact on people all over the world, Mathews and his wife have appreciated the Muskegon community.

“We love Muskegon and the people in Muskegon,” he said. “We are grateful – genuinely grateful.”